The Road to Beervana opens on Sunday

The road is long, with many a winding turn.

Well the road back home might be windier than you remembered, especially if you try to fit in every Road to Beervana event.

This year’s Beervana prelude, the Road to Beervana, runs from 7 to 14 August. For the first time it includes events outside Wellington, with Christchurch craft beer venues getting in on the show.

The full Road to Beervana calendar will be launched here on Sunday at 11am precisely. There are 51 events over eight days in two cities and thirtyleven venues.

Here’s a preview of some highlights:

SOBA Anniversary Brew – Black Dog brews a special anniversary beer in preparation for SOBA’s 10th birthday – will it be a Radler™? Followed by a barbecue with the brewers. Sunday 7 August, Black Dog Brewery.

Battle of the Brewers – Beer & food & beer matching lunch with five New Zealand brewers and five Oregon Mash Up guest brewers. Sold out last year. Wednesday 10 August, the Bresolin, Wellington.

DocumentaryPDX: Brew City – the story of how Portland, Oregon, became the Mecca of Craft Beer. Two New Zealand screenings, Lighthouse Cuba cinema, 10 & 13 August.

Pirate Dog – What happens when Adelaide’s young star brewers Pirate Life team up with Wellington young star brewers ParrotDog for a two-day party? Dunno, but it sounds like fun. ParrotDog Brewery, Wellington, 11 & 12 August.

Now is the Sour Symposium – Four of New Zealand’s sour beer specialists host a Q&A with a special-release sour tasting. Featuring Kelly Ryan, Søren Eriksen, Steve Plowman and the Godfather of Sour David Nicholls. Saturday 13 August from 11-1.30, Fork & Brewer, Wellington.

There are also a couple of post-Beervana recovery events to look out for. Many of the Road to Beervana events need to be booked in advance, and the most popular ones will sell out.